Designing a Solution for Homelessness

KCRW: The Los Angeles City Council is weighing two separate measures to fund solutions to homelessness. One likely applicant for those funds will be the nonprofit developer Skid Row Housing Trust, which has built supportive housing by some of LA’s leading architects. Can good architecture and planning help re-integrate the formerly homeless back into society?

Housing and Mental Health

May was Mental Health Awareness Month. The Trust’s approach to permanent supportive housing is to provide the stability, support, and community necessary for its residents to address an array of mental health issues. To highlight the connection between supportive housing and mental health, we interviewed Stacey Hartnett, a Resident Services Coordinator, and Kara Klein, a psychotherapist with John Wesley Community Health (JWCH). Stacey and Kara work together closely at the Trust’s Abbey Apartments to provide residents a safe living space that has a network of support. Watch to learn more about how Trust’s partnership with JWCH Institute helps residents achieve wellness.
Learn more about JWCH Institute at jwchinstitute.org.

PBS SoCal: The Controversy Over How to Solve Homelessness

CEO Mike Alvidrez was on PBS SoCal to discuss solutions to homelessness in Los Angeles, appearing alongside Union Rescue Mission CEO Rev. Andy Bales.

Mayor Garcetti Unveils “Bold and Prudent” $8.76 Billion Budget

CEO Mike Alvidrez was interviewed yesterday by NBC LA, responding to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announcement of a $8.76 billion spending plan for the 2016-2017 fiscal year that sets aside $138 million to address homelessness.

What to do when you encounter someone in a mental health crisis

Skid Row Housing Trust’s Director of Resident Programs Joey Aguilar was interviewed by KPCC’s Take Two yesterday, sharing tips and resources for when you encounter someone in the midst of a mental health crisis. If you are concerned about a neighbor living on the street in Los Angeles’ Skid Row, on weekdays you can contact a multidisciplinary street outreach team, which includes a nurse, a mental health specialist, and a substance abuse counselor, at 213-680-6333. Organized by the LA County Department of Health Services Housing for Health Division, these outreach teams connect individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Skid Row to services and housing. They have placed 150 individuals in permanent supportive housing since January.

To help those who are struggling with homelessness and mental illness in the long-term, support evidence-based programs that provide housing and support. Skid Row Housing Trust is committed to building housing and health resources that result in better neighborhoods where everyone has a safe place to call home.

Listen to the full interview.

“With a place to live, I can work towards a better life.”

Haniff is celebrating the start of a new career this Thanksgiving. Four years ago, Haniff’s life was ripped apart when his mother suddenly passed away. In between jobs, the death of his mother triggered a period of depression that rendered him unable to seek new employment. Haniff, a longtime resident of South Los Angeles, started sleeping on friend’s couches when money ran out, and eventually he turned to shelters on Skid Row. Haniff struggled to treat high blood pressure and kidney disease without the stability of a permanent home, and his health declined as he lost hope for the future.

Last year the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services referred Haniff to Skid Row Housing Trust’s Star Apartments, moving him into permanent supportive housing designed for people living with chronic health conditions. With both a medical clinic and a wellness center on site, the Star Apartments was a sanctuary where Haniff could heal.

With the foundation of a permanent home and a supportive community, Haniff graduated from L.A. Kitchen’s culinary job training program, and he was recently hired as a prep cook. “It wears you down moving from place to place, and you can’t find a sense of normal. You can’t do anything but exist,” said Haniff. “Now I have a refuge and a routine. With a place to live, I can work towards a better life.”

Help more people struggling with chronic health and mental health conditions escape the cycle of homelessness by supporting Skid Row Housing Trust’s innovative permanent supportive housing. Please consider making a recurring monthly donation to fund evidence-based programs that help residents build healthier futures. Take part in permanently ending homelessness in Los Angeles by giving today.

Amos Sandifer: The Newly Housed

KCRW: Who lives on Skid Row—on and off the streets? KCRW’s Lisa Napoli brings us this portrait from the heart of the neighborhood: San Pedro Street. In this portrait, Lisa finds out how one man got off the streets—and what challenges remain.

Creating Communities

Metropolis Magazine: In America, nineteen million low-income families are “housing insecure.” Housing specialist Katie Swenson discusses different strategies to begin tackling this urgent issue.

Skid Row Housing Trust marks 25 years with new development

Sustainability looks different through door of new efficiency apartment